Over 70,000 lured into tourist trap

Update:
February, 28/2012 - 11:15

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HA NOI — More than 70,000 people, 3,000 of whom are living in Ha Noi, were lured into a deceptive programme under the name "profitable tourism" set by the Ha Noi - based Southeast Asia Diamond Holiday Co Ltd.

The company's director, 53-year-old Lam Phuc Hung, has recently been detained by the Ha Noi Police after searches were made at the company's headquarters and Hung's house last Thursday that led to company documents being confiscated.

According to the company's advertisement about the profitable tourism programme, by paying only US$375, customers would be able to visit many countries at cheap prices and enjoy the service of luxury hotels.

The programme's participants were also promised rewards from $1,000 to $15,000 and valuable properties such as cars and houses by convincing others to participate. Most of the participants did not travel anywhere or receive any rewards.

According to police, the Southeast Asia Diamond Holiday Co Ltd had fraudulently obtained funds, and the money collected might come into millions of dollars. — VNS